Paxite is a rare copper arsenide mineral typically occurring as massive or granular aggregates in hydrothermal veins. It is most commonly found alongside other copper-arsenic minerals such as koutekite and domeykite. Identification is difficult without laboratory analysis like X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe study due to its resemblance to other silver-white metallic minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Paxite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this paxite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch paxite with a known reference. Paxite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paxite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paxite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

Paxite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Domeykite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Paxite leaves black, Domeykite leaves metallic white.

Often found alongside paxite

Minerals reported to co-occur with paxite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂As₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find paxite

Classic worldwide localities

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where paxite typically forms. If you start seeing koutekite, domeykite, arsenic in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paxite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include silver-white, gray.

Where is paxite found?+

Notable localities include Kutná Hora, Czech Republic; Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, France.

How much is paxite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paxite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paxite?+

Paxite is most often confused with Domeykite, Koutekite, Arsenic. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paxite?+

Paxite commonly co-occurs with Koutekite, Domeykite, Arsenic, Silver. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paxite form in?+

Paxite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paxite used for?+

Paxite is used in collector.

Find paxite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.